This is my first major pond project involving more than a tub size pre-molded form. The project was supervised by a professional who builds ponds for a living. As we were bartering services, I had to also put in "sweat equity". The whole project took almost a year of weekends, minus foul weather and made me realize just how mortal I am by wearing me out each time beyond belief from carrying and mixing bags of concrete, hauling cinderblocks, concrete forms, sand, etc., I have to admit the whole experience is more than rewarding for every morning I wake up and hear the waterfalls bubbling outside my bedroom window and the greeting I receive when I go out to feed my finned friends.

There are quicker ways to build a pond. One is to have money to hire big guys to do the work for you. Another is to make a simpler style of pond, such as the basic hole in the ground lined with a thick rubber liner, surrounded by rocks. This one is designed to simulate rock by using multiple techniques and is fabricated from cinderblock, Portland cement, rubber liner and lots of concrete and sweat (blood and tears optional).

The initial basic steps are the same as with most ponds. A hole is dug to the desired size and depth. A ledge is dug to use as a base for a cinderblock wall, giving more strength and support to the structure. Protective layers of sand and fiber lining are used before laying the rubber liner down. The tricky part here was creating a joined waterproof edge between the upper and lower ponds. After the functional aspects were dealt with the form concepts were put into place.

The plan was to create a pond that resembled a rock type formation using concrete as it is not only durable, but as you will see can be manipulated to form the shape you desire. There are 3 basic techniques involving the concrete here.